"Let's see what happens"

Donald Trump has warned that a "major, major conflict" with North Korea is a possibility.

The Trump administration has repeatedly called on China to assist efforts to impose sanctions and other restrictions against Pyongyang.

Speaking on Friday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said China's role is "particularly important" due to the country's economic leverage over North Korea.

At a rally last night, President Trump told supporters: "We have somebody [in North Korea] who is causing a lot of trouble for the world.

"We have China, who is really trying to help us. You've seen they've sent back vast amounts of coal coming out of North Korea. So let's see what happens."

Meanwhile, the controversial Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte called on President Trump to avoid tensions escalating.

Duterte - who has been heavily criticised internationally for encouraging a violent war against drugs in his country - told reporters: "I’m expecting a call actually from President Trump tonight, and who am I to say that you should stop.

"But I would say, Mr President, please see to it there is no war, because my region will suffer immensely."

Following the phone call, the White House said President Trump had invited President Duterte to visit Washington.